Русский
The Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, met with Thongsavanh Phomvihane, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Laos, on the sidelines of the ASEAN ministerial meetings in Manila.
The ministers discussed priorities for strengthening the Russian-Lao strategic partnership, including the implementation of agreements reached during recent highest-level contacts, with a particular focus on expanding trade, investment, and humanitarian cooperation.
A wide-ranging exchange of views on international issues confirmed that the two countries share broadly similar approaches to key matters on the global and regional agendas.
This is the third high-level meeting between the two sides in as many months. The Laotian President, Thongloun Sisoulith, had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in May, while Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in June.
Bilateral trade, while relatively small, doubled last year to reach US$50 million. Plans are underway to increase Russian food, mineral fertilizer, and machine engineering exports to Laos, while it is also ready to purchase more Laotian textiles, natural rubber, and coffee. Russia is also interested in Laos’ bauxite reserves, as these are important in developing Russia’s aluminum industry. Rosatom is also in discussions with the Laos government concerning nuclear and hydropower possibilities, while direct flights to boost tourism ties are also on the agenda.
